The Mikado

by W. S. Gilbert

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"The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring, Tra La"

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KO-KO
The flowers that bloom in the spring,
Tra la,
Have nothing to do with the case,
I've got to take under my wind,
Tra la,
A most unattractive old thing,
Tra la,
With a caricature of a face. . . .

This whimsical quote from Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mikado" captures Ko-Ko's humorous yet reluctantly resigned attitude toward his predicament. While Nanki-Poo envisions a life of joy if the complications are resolved, Ko-Ko focuses on the immediate, less-than-ideal reality. His words highlight the trivialization of beauty found in nature, contrasting it with his personal dilemma of marrying Katisha, whom he finds unattractive. The repeating "Tra la" injects a sense of light-heartedness and irony, underscoring the comedic tone despite the serious undertone of the situation. Ko-Ko's lament is a testament to the absurdity and farcical nature of the play, where personal desires and societal pressures often clash, leading to humorous and unexpected outcomes.

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